VALQ vs. VMAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VALQ (American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF) and VMAX (Hartford US Value ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. VALQ is passively managed, while VMAX is actively managed. Over the past year, VALQ returned 14.31% vs 29.63% for VMAX. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.29% expense ratio.

Performance

VALQ vs. VMAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF (VALQ) and Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VALQ achieves a 4.29% return, which is significantly lower than VMAX's 15.44% return.

VALQ

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: -0.37%
• YTD: 4.29%
• 6M: 3.54%
• 1Y: 14.31%
• 3Y*: 14.29%
• 5Y*: 8.88%
• 10Y*: —

VMAX

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 3.05%
• YTD: 15.44%
• 6M: 14.38%
• 1Y: 29.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

VALQ vs. VMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VALQ American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF	4.29%	10.58%	16.71%	4.67%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	15.44%	15.65%	15.89%	5.71%

Correlation

The correlation between VALQ and VMAX is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2023	0.86

The correlation between VALQ and VMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

VALQ vs. VMAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VALQ	VMAX
Technology	33.5%	13.3%
Healthcare	14.9%	11.1%
Consumer Defensive	13.5%	3.7%
Industrials	10.7%	5.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	3.7%
Communication Services	6.8%	6.6%
Financial Services	4.5%	32.4%
Energy	4.0%	11.0%
Basic Materials	1.9%	2.8%
Real Estate	0.8%	4.4%
Utilities	-	5.3%

Return for Risk

VALQ vs. VMAX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

VALQ

VALQ Risk / Return Rank: 38
VALQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
VALQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
VALQ Omega Ratio Rank: 36
VALQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
VALQ Martin Ratio Rank: 36

VMAX

VMAX Risk / Return Rank: 85
VMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

VALQ vs. VMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF (VALQ) and Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	VALQ	VMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.28	2.42	-1.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.90	3.30	-1.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.42	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	6.04	-4.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.18	21.18	-16.00

VALQ vs. VMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VALQ Sharpe Ratio is 1.28, which is lower than the VMAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VALQ and VMAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VALQ vs. VMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VALQ drawdown since its inception was -38.19%, which is greater than VMAX's maximum drawdown of -19.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VALQ and VMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VALQ	VMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.19%	-19.05%	-19.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.85%	-4.93%	-2.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.62%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.19%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.05%	-0.39%	-1.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.92%	-2.52%	-2.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.77%	1.40%	+1.37%

Volatility

VALQ vs. VMAX - Volatility Comparison

American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF (VALQ) has a higher volatility of 3.59% compared to Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) at 3.17%. This indicates that VALQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VALQ	VMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.59%	3.17%	+0.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.30%	8.83%	-0.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.26%	12.31%	-1.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.50%	15.41%	-0.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.63%	15.41%	+2.22%

VALQ vs. VMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VALQ and VMAX have an expense ratio of 0.29%.

Dividends

VALQ vs. VMAX - Dividend Comparison

VALQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.35%, more than VMAX's 1.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VALQ American Century STOXX U.S. Quality Value ETF	1.84%	1.88%	1.58%	1.76%	2.71%	1.58%	2.08%	2.31%	2.35%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	1.85%	2.14%	1.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VALQ and VMAX in my portfolio?

VALQ and VMAX have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VALQ or VMAX?

VALQ has higher volatility (3.59%) compared to VMAX (3.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VALQ dropped -38.19% vs VMAX's -19.05%.

Which ETF is better, VALQ or VMAX?

On 1-year performance, VMAX leads with 29.63% vs 14.31% for VALQ. Both ETFs have the same 0.29% expense ratio. On volatility, VMAX has been the lower-risk option at 3.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VALQ or VMAX?

Over the 1-year period, VMAX has performed better with a 29.63% return vs 14.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VALQ or VMAX?

VALQ and VMAX have the same expense ratio: 0.29% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VALQ or VMAX?

VALQ has the higher dividend yield at 2.35%, compared with 1.85% for VMAX.

What is the main difference between VALQ and VMAX?

They also come from different issuers: American Century and Hartford.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 1.28), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.